Then & Now
Beginning August 5th and running through September 12th, Albany Center Gallery will open up it’s doors to feature original artworks by Willie Marlowe, Charles Steckler, and Mary Pat Wager. Together, these artists capture three distinctive disciplines of art: painting, mixed media, and sculpture. The gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m. There is an opening reception in conjunction with 1st Friday on Friday, September 5th. Albany Center Gallery is located at 39 Columbia Street in downtown Albany, across from Tricentennial Park.
Willie Marlowe has exhibited her paintings in solo, juried and invitational exhibitions within the U.S. and abroad. Known for her bright fluorescent palette, Marlowe creates abstract representations heavily influenced by ancient art and archaeology. Within each of her paintings she explores the use of color, detail and space. She states, “I find that painting is an unfolding journey that leads to incremental discovery rather than a certain path to a predetermined destination.” Marlowe received her M.F.A. from the University of Idaho and her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University. Currently, Marlowe is a professor of the Department of Visual Arts at Sage College of Albany.
Charles Steckler has exhibited his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions. He has also designed stage sets for over 90 shows. Steckler applies his knowledge of art through a vast array of media. Using photography, drawings, collages, dioramas and theatrical stage design, he utilizes items from our lost consumer culture. Steckler creates three-dimensional collages of “things too worthless save.” “With this matter I play formal games of selection and arrangement: piecing, joining, layering; looking for equilibrium and perhaps a story.” Charles Steckler received his bachelor’s degree from Queens College and his master’s from Yale University. Currently, he is a professor of Theater at Union College.
Mary Pat Wager, a resident of East Greenbush, is known for her broad range of sculptural steelworks. With her sculptures, Wager captures the strength and malleability of steel. Her focus within the medium also becomes clear through her use of intricate detail. Each of her works becomes a play on balance between capturing fleeting movements and defining the structure of steel. The range of Wager’s expressive works is perpetual, stemming from the diverse variety of metals she uses. Wager has earned her master’s degree in studio arts from the University at Albany.